A Christmas Gift for a BIL Who Has Everything

[TTravis]

We are getting ready to go visit my wife's family for a couple days over the Christmas holiday. Exchanging gifts seems a bit awkward because he already has everything he could want. He is a wealthy doctor. So I got to thinking about what I could give of myself. It occurred to me that, although my BIL is not that into guns, he has inherited a few from his father. I am thinking that a good Christmas gift might be me bringing my gun cleaning box with me and go through all his guns making sure that they are cleaned, oiled, and stored properly. His guns probably have not been touched in several years. Hopefully I can enlist the help of his son and we can talk about the grandfather whom the guns came from. We can talk about gun safety, and maybe a little home defence. I think their attitude on guns is neutral, and they all know that I hunt and carry, but it does not bother them. I think it would be a good tribute to my diseased FIL to pass on some knowledge and tradition. Next year when Christmas is at my place. I hope to have them bring along one or two of their guns and we can do some shooting. Maybe some day the his son, my nephew will go hunting with me.

Merry Christmas to All. Tom Travis

 

[Bradsknives]

We are getting ready to go visit my wife's family for a couple days over the Christmas holiday. Exchanging gifts seems a bit awkward because he already has everything he could want. He is a wealthy doctor. So I got to thinking about what I could give of myself. It occurred to me that, although my BIL is not that into guns, he has inherited a few from his father. I am thinking that a good Christmas gift might be me bringing my gun cleaning box with me and go through all his guns making sure that they are cleaned, oiled, and stored properly. His guns probably have not been touched in several years. Hopefully I can enlist the help of his son and we can talk about the grandfather whom the guns came from. We can talk about gun safety, and maybe a little home defence. I think their attitude on guns is neutral, and they all know that I hunt and carry, but it does not bother them. I think it would be a good tribute to my diseased FIL to pass on some knowledge and tradition. Next year when Christmas is at my place. I hope to have them bring along one or two of their guns and we can do some shooting. Maybe some day the his son, my nephew will go hunting with me.

Merry Christmas to All. Tom Travis

I think that is an excellent idea and plan.

 

[Nodonutz]

Great idea - maybe get a basic cleaning kit to 'leave behind' as well. They're pretty inexpensive. Just a thought.

 

[medcoxo]

Great idea - maybe get a basic cleaning kit to 'leave behind' as well. They're pretty inexpensive. Just a thought.

Yep, I agree. In my family I am the 'gun guy', so every summer, I always make it a point to go visit everyone, and take my cleaning kits, and do a clean up/function check. A nice way to get out and see everyone, and stay in touch. And get nice meal-- sometimes even home cooked. ( I am a typical single guy and not a great cook ))

 

[Que]

That sounds like a great idea. Please let us know how it turns out.

 

[TTravis]

That sounds like a great idea. Please let us know how it turns out.

It went well. While everyone else was involved in playing card games, something I don't do, BIL and I got out his guns and I set up a cleaning station on a table in his basement.

His guns had not been used or cleaned in over 10 years, but they were not in bad shape. I am glad we cleaned them because there were a few spots that showed signs of rust.

His guns are old. They were his father's and grandfathers. One was a Winchester 1912 12ga pump that was in nice shape. There was a newer Winchester pump, I forget the model
but it was comparable to a Rem 870 with a youth stock that he had when he was a kid. He also had a Ruger .22 SA six shot, and an old Marlin .22 rifle that was different because it
is bolt action and also tube fed.

He did not know before I explained that guns need to be cleaned and oiled even if they are not used. It would be sad so see them rust.

His son and daughter, both grown are both afraid of guns. He did admit that he kept the newer/smaller Winchester pump loaded and under his bed.
The others all were unloaded with trigger locks. I guess they had a scare about a year ago. He did express
an interesting in going to a range or maybe doing some shooting at my place when they come for Christmas next year.

All in all I would say that it was a good idea and I was glad to do my part in preserving his family guns. The whole thing only took about an hour and I was careful not to overdo it.
He does know that I have a LTCH and I do carry everywhere I go. He did not know that I had two of them on me at the time.

Tom

 

[Que]

Tom, that sounds like a wonderful present for your BIL. I'm glad it turned out well for all of you.

 

[hoosierdoc]

A doctor into guns?!

great idea for a present. Most people are unwilling to give of their time in service to others. Not sure how your relationship was before but I'm guessing it just got a lot better.

 

[Nodonutz]

Awesome to hear! Glad it went well.

 

[Leo]

My brother in law has passed, so missed out on having one this year. I have quite a few firearms that could use a cleaning and oiling if your cleaning kit is still handy.

All kidding aside, that was a good idea, and it will be remembered long after a token sweater or something is long gone. Good Thinking!

 

[WebSnyper]

Cool idea. I wish I lived near family as this is the type of thing I'd do. My dad was never one to keep the exterior of an automobile in good shape, so I would do stuff like wash and wax his car for a birthday, etc when I lived nearby. Would do similar for my grandparents when they were alive (go over and clean carpets, etc)

 

[Leo]

Cool idea. I wish I lived near family as this is the type of thing I'd do. My dad was never one to keep the exterior of an automobile in good shape, so I would do stuff like wash and wax his car for a birthday, etc when I lived nearby. Would do similar for my grandparents when they were alive (go over and clean carpets, etc)

I am a grandparent and my car is really dirty....

Sorry, I couldn't resist

 

[Clay]

ummm bacon?

 

[WebSnyper]

I am a grandparent and my car is really dirty....

Sorry, I couldn't resist

Sounds like you need to build some more character in those grandkids Painting fences, washing cars, and other fun activities will help with that.

 

[Rooster_Cogburn87]

A great gift and educational opportunity!